VOLCANOES, dense jungles and a rich history: our neighbour Papua New Guinea is a treasure just waiting to be explored.

The Senior and Travelrite are leading a fully escorted exploration cruise to PNG in February 2020 aboard Cunard's Queen Elizabeth. It promises to be a journey you won't forget.

After sailing from Sydney and spending a day in Brisbane, the group's first experience of our closest neighbour is Alotau.

The port city is usually the first stop on most PNG cruise itineraries, and for good reason: it played a pivotal role in World War II's Battle of Milne Bay.

It's here the Japanese forces suffered their first loss of the war at the hands of Australian and American troops. Late on August 25, 1942, 2000 Japanese marines landed here to try capture Milne Bay.

They were met by almost 9000 Allied troops, and this defeat is widely considered to be a turning point in the war.

Now Alotau is a busy working port, servicing the area's 160 islands. Hundreds of small ships and boats make their way here for trade and transport.

It's also home to several war memorials and relics, which the tour will visit. At the Top Town Lookout, travellers will discover the connection between Alotau and the original provincial capital Samarai. More details on the Battle of Milne Bay will be uncovered before meeting students at Cameron Secondary School, the province's first established high school.

STUNNING: Rabaul is noted for its breathtaking scenery. Situated on the edge of a flooded caldera, it was a base for the Japanese during the war.

It's then on to Kiriwina, the largest and most populated of the Trobriand Islands. With only 12,000 people calling it home, it still has that untouched paradise feel. The culture is colourful and fascinating.

The group will take a guided morning tour of the island and see the local church and markets, where you can pick up intricate trinkets carved from coconuts.

Next top is Rabaul. Situated on the edge of a flooded caldera, it was a base for the Japanese during the war. A half-day sightseeing tour will visit the graves of many Australians who died in battle.

The final port in PNG is the Conflict Islands - one of the most remote locations in the Coral Sea and home to one of the world's most bio-diverse reef systems. The group will enjoy a walking tour of the area and learn about the the islands' fascinating history, including the Battle of the Coral Sea.

Before returning to Sydney, Queen Elizabeth will dock at Cairns for travellers to ride the Skyrail cableway above the rainforest canopy.